Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot’s improper flare, which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot, who had purchased the airplane the day before the accident, was on a cross-country flight with three other occupants. While landing at an airport, the airplane landed hard and collapsed the landing gear; the fuselage sustained substantial damage. The pilot did not report any preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Source record
Factual narrative
The pilot, who had purchased the airplane the day prior to the accident, was on a cross-country flight with three other occupants. While landing at an airport, the airplane landed hard and collapsed the landing gear. A responding Federal Aviation Administration inspector found the airplane off the runway’s prepared surface and confirmed substantial damage to the fuselage. The pilot did not report any pre-impact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.